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OTS Global Health Program

The Organization for Tropical Studies (OTS) and Duke University are launching a new semester program designed primarily for pre-med, biology, public health, and natural science majors to be trained in research in the areas of tropical medicine and public health in Costa Rica. The 15-week undergraduate semester abroad program emphasizes the scientific, intercultural, and social aspects of global health, tropical medicine, public health, ethnobiology, and research topics in these subjects. Instruction focuses on the internationally-recognized OTS method of field-based, hands-on learning. Lectures, readings from primary literature, and discussions are also integral components of the program and provide the conceptual framework for discussion, analysis, and interpreting field observations and research. The program will visit all three of OTS’ biological field stations in Costa Rica utilizing their sophisticated facilities and building on decades of research.

Students participating in the OTS Undergraduate Semester Abroad Program will be enrolled in four courses accredited by Duke University (four semester credit hours for each 15-week course):

  • Tropical Medicine and Public Health
  • Research Practicum
  • Ethnobiology
  • Spanish and Latin American Culture (either intermediate or advanced) with additional introduction to technical and colloquial medical terms
    • Students should have a strong interest in public health and biology and an avid curiosity for new cultures. One year of Spanish is required. OTS will begin to accept applications for this new program this summer, and enrollment begins in August 1 Please check the OTS website (http://www.ots.duke.edu) for the latest information or contact OTS Enrollment at (919) 684-5774 or

      For complete information, download the OTS Global Health Program PDF Flyer.